Optical Read Head Auto-Calibration for Test Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood-glucose testing systems rely on user-input calibration information, which can lead to erroneous results if not accurately entered, and there is a need for an automated calibration method that also considers device size and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
An optical read head with a light source, light guide, and detector is used to determine auto-calibration information of a test sensor with a plurality of apertures, allowing for automatic calibration without user input, and is designed to be compact and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If user-input calibration information is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to user entry errors
Solution Approach 1:
The test sensor automatically provides calibration information to the meter through optical detection. The sensor strip contains encoded calibration data that the meter's optical read head automatically reads, eliminating the need for user manual input while ensuring accurate calibration values are used for glucose concentration calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of user input (typing or selecting calibration values) is replaced with an optical detection system. The meter uses an optical read head to automatically detect and read calibration information encoded on the test sensor strip, substituting human interaction with automated optical sensing.
2Ease of operation
If automatic calibration is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The optical read head serves multiple functions: it detects the calibration information on the test sensor strip and also measures the optical properties of the sample during the actual glucose test. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a code reader as an intermediary component that bridges the test sensor strip and the meter's processing system. The code reader automatically detects calibration information from the strip and transmits it to the meter, simplifying the integration of automatic calibration functionality while managing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If optical read head with linear-detector array is used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a full 2D detector array, the patent employs a linear-detector array that scans or detects light along one dimension. This partial detection approach provides sufficient precision for reading the linear calibration codes on the test sensor strip while significantly reducing component cost and complexity compared to a complete 2D array.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables reliable automatic calibration of test sensors, reducing user error and ensuring accurate analyte concentration measurements while maintaining a low-profile and affordable meter design.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light source is transmitted through the plurality of apertures. The light transmitted through the plurality of apertures using the linear-detector array or detecting the absence of light being transmitted through the test sensor using the linear-detector array is detected.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining auto-calibrating information of a test sensor includes providing an optical read head that includes a light source, a light guide and a detector. The read head forms an opening that is sized to receive a test sensor. The detector includes a linear-detector array or single detector. A test sensor is provided having apertures formed therein. The test sensor is placed in the opening of the optical read head. Light is transmitted from the light source through the apertures. The light transmitted through the apertures using the detector or detecting the absence of light being transmitted through the test sensor using the detector is detected. The detected light or the absence of detected light information from the detector is used to determine the auto-calibration information of the test sensor.